Level 3 Geography
03GEO Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mr J. Burtenshaw.
Recommended Prior LearningThere are no pre-requisites for L3 Geography, but it is highly recommended that you have achieved NCEA at level 2, as this course involves using language-rich skills. To achieve, you will be expected to be able to read and analyse a variety of sources as well as write detailed essays at level 8 of the curriculum. Level 3 Geography is an academically focused course.
Year 13 Geography has a cultural Geography focus with a specific focus on the process of tourism. We start the year by looking at what goes into the planning of the ASB Polyfest. We will go on a field trip to Polyfest to observe the evidence of human impact on the environment. Students then study the effects of mass tourism on people and the environment at a global scale, focusing on a case study of their choice and working out solutions to problems that mass tourism creates. They will also gather tourism-related data that will be used to answer a geographic research aim - part of an internal research achievement standard worth 5 credits.
While all year 13 students are welcome, the course would especially benefit those students seeking U.E. literacy and who plan on going to University. Students do not need to be expert readers or writers to enter the course, but a serious commitment to engaging with academic texts and inquiry-based learning is a must as you will be expected to do your own research for the internal assessments. It would also be advantageous to have taken Level 2 Geography, but not essential.
Course Overview
Term 1
AS 91428 (3.3) ANALYSE A SIGNIFICANT CONTEMPORARY EVENT FROM A GEOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE – PLANNING POLYFEST: This achievement standard focuses on the background, planning and impacts of the ASB Polyfest. You will have the chance to visit Polyfest to observe and collect evidence concerning the spatial nature of the festival as well as the social, economic and environmental impacts. 3 credits
AS 91431 (3.6) ANALYSE ASPECTS OF A CONTEMPORARY GEOGRAPHIC ISSUE – CRASS TOURISM: This achievement standard focuses on the issue of mass tourism on a global scale. You will need to choose a case study (a tourist destination), where mass tourism is having negative social, economic and/or environmental effects. You will write a report that outlines the background to the issue, explain different perspectives and find different solutions. 3 credits. This AS is likely to cross over into term 2.
Term 2
AS 91430 (3.5) CONDUCT GEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH WITH CONSULTATION - ROTOVEGAS: Rotorua is a key tourist destination in New Zealand due to its many unique natural and cultural attractions. Rotorua draws tourists from both New Zealand and around the world. This assessment requires you to conduct geographic research (with consultation) into tourism elements and interactions within the Rotorua environment. You will work in a group to create an aim and gather data while on a field trip to Rotorua at the start of term 3. 5 credits.
Term 3
AS AS91427 (3.2) DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF HOW A CULTURAL PROCESS SHAPES GEOGRAPHIC ENVIRONMENT(S). This achievement standard focuses on the cultural process of tourism and the New Zealand setting of Rotorua. How has tourism shaped the natural and cultural environments of Rotorua? You will get first-hand experience of this when you attend the 3-day field trip in term 3. This is considered to be the highlight of the geographic year by most students. 4 credits
AS 91429 (3.4) DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF A GIVEN ENVIRONMENT(S) THROUGH SELECTION AND APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC CONCEPTS AND SKILLS: The external exam will consist of 3 questions. Each question will involve selecting and applying appropriate geographic skills and concepts to demonstrate your understanding of a given geographic theme. 4 credits
Term 4
Preparation for the external exam.
There is one fieldtrip involved with Level 3 Geography. It is compulsory and linked to an internal assessment. Most of the cost for this trip is covered by the school.
This course is a BYOD course and a laptop is essential for your learning.
A WA4 exercise book and a clear file are required stationery.